Power source supporting mechanism for vehicle

ABSTRACT

Structures of a supporting mechanism for a power source in a vehicle can include a seat portion and a fixing portion. The seat portion can be attached to a body of the vehicle. The fixing portion can extend from the seat portion. One or more stackable power sources can be accommodated within and secured by the fixing portion. The power source supporting mechanism can be easily mounted in available space in or on or otherwise associated with the vehicle, enabling the power source supporting mechanism to be readily adaptable to various different kinds of vehicles. The vehicles may be motorcycles, for example.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-002866, filed Jan. 10, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power source supporting mechanism for a vehicle, for example, a motorcycle.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, the number of electrical components installed in a typical motorcycle has increased, due for example to the employment of electronic fuel injection systems or the like in the motorcycle. Accordingly, the need for installing a power source able to supply the increased number of electrical components in the motorcycle has also increased. Japanese Patent No. 3482816, for example, discloses an arrangement for the installation of a high capacity battery in a motorcycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to structures of a supporting mechanism for a power source in a vehicle. The vehicle can be a straddle-type vehicle, such as a motorcycle. The power source supporting mechanism can be readily adaptable to various different kinds of motorcycles.

More particularly, embodiments of a power source supporting mechanism according to the invention can include a seat portion and a fixing portion. The seat portion can be attached to a body of a motorcycle. The fixing portion can extend from the seat portion. One or more power sources can be accommodated within and secured by the fixing portion.

For example, a plurality of power sources can be stacked in and fixed to the fixing portion. The number of power sources held by the fixing portion can be adjusted to meet a required power capacity of a given motorcycle, and the power source supporting mechanism can be provided within available space on or in a motorcycle body or frame. Thus, the power source support mechanism can be easily adjusted for use with various different kinds of motorcycles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 1-1 (see FIG. 3) of a power source supporting mechanism according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power source supporting mechanism and associated battery assemblies, with batteries shown in phantom; and

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a motorcycle having the power source supporting mechanism mounted thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying Figures. It should be kept in mind that the following described embodiments are only presented by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept to any particular physical configuration. It should further be understood that “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Any aspect referred to herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred over other aspects.

Further, if used and unless otherwise stated, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “over,” “under,” and similar such terms are not to be construed as limiting the invention to a particular orientation. Instead, these terms are used only on a relative basis.

Moreover, any term of degree used herein, such as “substantially”, “essentially” and “nearly”, means a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified word is contemplated such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, such terms can be construed as allowing a deviation of at least 5% of the modified word if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word the term of degree modifies.

Referring to FIG. 1, a power source supporting mechanism 10 according to an exemplary embodiment can be designed for mounting a plurality of battery assemblies as a power source on a vehicle, for example a straddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle. The power source supporting mechanism 10 can include a seat portion 11 and a fixing portion 16. The seat portion 11 can be attached to a vehicle body, as described in more detail further on. The seat portion 11 can include a seat portion body 12 and tightened or attachment portions 13. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a mounted or attached position, the tightened or attachment portions 13 can project toward the vehicle, for example, toward an upper surface 51 a of a crankcase 51 of the vehicle. The tightened or attachment portions 13 can be attached or fastened, e.g., tightened by way of bolts 15, to the crankcase 51 of the vehicle, such as a motorcycle 1 (see FIG. 3).

The fixing portion 16 can extend from the seat portion 11. The fixing portion 16 can be integral or contiguous with the seat portion 11, or be connected to the seat portion 11. One or more power sources can be received or accommodated by or within and secured by the fixing portion 16. For example, a plurality of stacked battery assemblies 20 can be fixed to the fixing portion 16.

The fixing portion 16 can include an engaging projection 14. The engaging projection 14 can include a first engaging projection 14 a and a second engaging projection 14 b. The engaging projections 14 a, 14 b can project from the seat portion 11 toward the battery assemblies 20. More specifically, the engaging projections 14 a, 14 b can be substantially perpendicular or at right angles to the seat portion 11. In a mounted position, the engaging projections 14 a, 14 b can project upward or vertically from the seat portion 11, where “upward” or “vertically” refers, for example, to a direction substantially parallel to an up-and-down direction with reference to the ground. For example, the engaging projections 14 a, 14 b can be substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to a mounting surface, such as the upper surface 51 a, and project vertically when the motorcycle 1 is in a substantially upright position as illustrated in FIG. 3. Herein, “upward” and “vertical,” “vertically” or “vertical direction” may each refer to substantially the same direction.

The engaging projections 14 a, 14 b can be arranged at respective end portions of the seat portion 11, and project in a direction substantially parallel to a stacking direction of the battery assemblies 20. The engaging projections 14 a, 14 b can be spaced apart from each other in a substantially horizontal or widthwise or vehicle width direction (e.g., a direction substantially orthogonal or transverse to the upward or vertical direction described above). The first engaging projection 14 a can be arranged at a left end of the seat portion 11 in the widthwise direction. The second engaging projection 14 b can be arranged at a right end of the seat portion 11 in the widthwise direction. Here, “left” and “right” can refer, for example, to a view as in FIG. 1, which may correspond to left and right from the perspective of a rider sitting on a motorcycle 1 (see FIG. 3) and facing forward toward a front wheel 45.

A length of the engaging projection 14 from a proximal end (e.g., an end closest to a mounting surface such as surface 51 a) to a distal end (e.g., the other end from the proximal end) is not limited to any particular length. For example, the length of the engaging projection 14 from the proximal end to the distal end may be set according to the number of the battery assemblies 20 to be mounted on the motorcycle 1. For example, when mounting the two battery assemblies 20 on the motorcycle 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the length of the engaging projection 14 may be set to a value about two times a thickness of the battery assembly 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or more battery assemblies can be attached to the power source supporting mechanism 10. For example, two battery assemblies 20 a, 20 b can be attached to the power source supporting mechanism 10. The battery assembly 20 a and the battery assembly 20 b can have substantially the same shape. The battery assemblies 20 can include a plurality of batteries 21. In the exemplary embodiment described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures, a battery 21 has a substantially columnar or cylindrical shape. The plurality of batteries 21 can each be arranged in or aligned along a same direction. For example, the plurality of batteries 21 can be arranged in parallel to each other along a vehicle width direction (e.g. a direction as illustrated in FIG. 1, substantially parallel to a horizontal or widthwise direction as described above). The plurality of batteries 21 can be formed into a panel or block or group of batteries, as in an assembly 20, for example, by being grouped into an integral mold with a molding material 22 as shown in FIG. 2. The molding material 22 can be a resin, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the plurality of batteries 21 can include an engaging portion 23 formed on or attached thereto. Specifically, the plurality of batteries 21 can include one or more engaging portions, such as two engaging portions 23 a, 23 b formed on or attached to respective ends of the plurality of batteries 21. The first engaging portion 23 a can be formed on or attached to one end portion of the plurality of batteries 21. The first engaging portion 23 a can include a portion that, when the plurality of batteries 21 are mounted by the power source supporting mechanism 10 on a vehicle, extends at least partly in a substantially vertical direction as described previously, and that extends at least partly in a direction substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the vertical direction, e.g., substantially parallel to a long axis of a cylindrical shape of a battery 21. The second engaging portion 23 b can be formed on or attached to the other end portion of the plurality of batteries 21 and extend in the same or similar directions as the first engaging portion 23 a. Specifically, the first engaging portion 23 a and the second engaging portion 23 b can be formed on or attached to a right end and a left end of the plurality of batteries 21, respectively.

The engaging portions 23 a, 23 b can have respective engaging holes or slots or openings 24 a, 24 b formed therein. The engaging holes or slots or openings 24 a, 24 b can have substantially a same shape as an outline of the engaging projection 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery assembly 20 a or 20 b formed into a block can be sized to fit the seat portion 11 and between the engaging projections 14 a, 14 b, while the engaging portions 23 a, 23 b extend beyond the engaging projections 14 a, 14 b. The first engaging projection 14 a can be inserted into and be accommodated or received by or fit within the first engaging hole or slot or opening 24 a, and the second engaging projection 14 b can be inserted into and be accommodated or received by or fit within the second engaging hole or slot or opening 24 b. The battery assemblies 20 can be attached or secured to the power source supporting mechanism 10 by way of engagement of the first and second engaging holes or slots or openings 24 a, 24 b with the first and second engaging projections 14 a, 14 b. When in place in the power supporting mechanism 10 the battery assemblies 20 can fit and be supported by the seat portion 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, a heat-shielding member 30 can be attached to the power source supporting mechanism 10. The heat-shielding member 30 can have a shape conforming to an end portion of stacked battery panels or blocks 20, and extend in a direction substantially parallel to the engaging projection 14.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the motorcycle 1 can include a vehicle body frame 40. A steering head pipe 41 can be formed at a front end portion of the vehicle body frame 40. A steering shaft 42 can be rotatably inserted into the steering head pipe 41. A handle 43 can be attached to an upper end of the steering shaft 42. A pair of front forks 44 can be attached to the steering shaft 42. A front wheel 45 can be rotatably supported at a lower end portion of the pair of front forks 44.

A pivot shaft 46 can be attached to a rear end portion of the vehicle body frame 40. A rear arm 47 can be pivotably supported by the pivot shaft 46. A rear wheel 48 can be rotatably supported at a rear end portion of the rear arm 47.

An engine 50 can be suspended by the vehicle body frame 40. The engine 50 can include the crankcase 51 and a cylinder block 52. A crankshaft 50 a extending in the vehicle width direction can be arranged in the crankcase 51. The cylinder block 52 includes a cylinder body 53 and a cylinder head 54. The cylinder body 53 can be connected to a front half portion of the crankcase 51. The cylinder head 54 can be attached to an upper end portion of the cylinder body 53.

An exhaust pipe 60 acting at least in part as an air-discharging pipe can be connected to the cylinder head 54. A muffler 61 can be connected to a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe 60. Specifically, the exhaust pipe 60 can be connected to the front side of the cylinder head 54. The exhaust pipe 60 can be directed to the rear via the right side of the cylinder block 52.

The engine 50 can be a fuel-injection engine. It should be understood that embodiments of the invention are not limited with respect to the kind of engine used, and that the use of other kinds of engines is possible. The engine 50 can include a throttle body 63. The throttle body 63 can be arranged above the crankcase 51. The throttle body 63 can be connected to a rear end portion of the cylinder head 54. The throttle body 63 can also be connected to an air cleaner (not shown) acting as an air-intake component.

The power source supporting mechanism 10 can be attached, for example, to the upper surface 51 a of the crankcase 51 on the back side of the cylinder block 52. The power source supporting mechanism 10 can be arranged between the throttle body 63 and the crankcase 51. The exhaust pipe 60 can, for example, be positioned on a side of the battery assemblies 20. The heat-shielding member 30 can be arranged between the exhaust pipe 60 and the battery assemblies 20 as shown in FIG. 1.

The above-described positioning of the power source supporting mechanism 10 with respect to other components of the motorcycle 1 is only one illustrative example, and other positions and arrangements are possible. For example, any position which occupies available space on the vehicle body frame 40 can be used.

The power source supporting mechanism 10 as described above provides a number of advantages. For example, as described previously, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can include the fixing portion 16 which is able to secure or fix an adjustable number of the plurality of battery assemblies 20. Therefore, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can enable a number of battery assemblies 20 provided as a power source to be adjusted according to the requirements of the motorcycle 1. Similarly, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can be adjusted to fit within or correspond to a size of available space (also referred to as “dead space”) on or in or otherwise associated with the motorcycle 1. Therefore, the power source supporting mechanism 10 be applied to or used with various types of motorcycles. In other words, the power source supporting mechanism 10 has a high general-purpose utility. Therefore, with the employment of the power source supporting mechanism 10, it is not necessary to design a different power source supporting mechanism for each of different types of motorcycle.

For example, when the power source supporting mechanism is used for a motorcycle which requires a high capacity of power source, the capacity can be increased easily by attaching a large number of the battery assemblies 20 in the fixing portion 16.

When the available space associated with the motorcycle is relatively small, arrangement of the power source in the relatively small available space is easily achieved by attaching a correspondingly small number of battery assemblies 20, to reduce the overall size of the battery assemblies 20 and the power source supporting mechanism 10 so as to fit the available space.

In addition, when the motorcycle requires a high-capacity power source but there is not a large, continuous available space associated with the motorcycle, the required capacity can be provided by arranging a plurality of power source supporting mechanisms 10 respectively in a plurality of relatively small available spaces, so that a required number of battery assemblies 20 can be provided.

In this manner, with the power source supporting mechanism 10 according to embodiments of the invention, adjustment of the number of the battery assemblies 20 to be attached is easily achieved. Therefore, provision of a required power source capacity can be achieved regardless of the size of the available space, making the power source supporting mechanism 10 usable with or applicable to various types of motorcycles each requiring a different capacity of power source.

In addition, the battery assemblies 20 can be heavy components. With the provision of the seat portion 11 to allow the battery assemblies 20 to be placed on the seat portion 11 as described above, the battery assemblies 20 can be firmly held in spite of being heavy.

As described above, the fixing portion 16 can include the engaging projection 14, and the battery assemblies 20 can be fixed to or secured by the fixing portion 16 by engagement with the engaging projection 14 of the engaging hole or slot 24 formed in the engaging portion 23 of the batteries 21. Therefore, attachment and detachment of the battery assemblies 20 are easily achieved. In embodiments, a coming-apart preventing member for preventing the engaging projection 14 from coming apart from the engaging hole 24 can be attached to the engaging projection 14. It is also possible to use a tightening member such as a bolt to fix the engaging projection 14 and the engaging portion 23 with respect to each other. Alternatively, an adhesive agent can be used to adhere or fix together the engaging projection 14 and the engaging portion 23.

As described above, the engaging holes or slots 24 a, 24 b can be respectively formed at end portions of the battery assemblies 20, and separated from each other in the vehicle width direction, which can be orthogonal to the direction in which the battery assemblies 20 are stacked. Therefore, because the battery assemblies 20 can be fixed at both end portions of the battery assemblies 20, stable holding of the battery assemblies 20 can be achieved.

In the above, an example is described in which the engaging holes or slots or openings 24 a, 24 b can be formed respectively at the end portions of the battery assemblies 20 and engage engaging projections 14 a, 14 b. Alternatively, one or more additional engaging holes or slots, and corresponding one or more engaging projections, can be formed and included in the power source supporting mechanism 10.

As described above, attachment to the crankcase 51 of the power source supporting mechanism can be achieved using the tightened or attachment portions 13 projecting toward the crankcase 51 from the seat portion body 12. Therefore, the attachment of the power source supporting mechanism 10 to the crankcase 51 is easily achieved.

As further described above, the plurality of batteries 21 can be molded together into a panel or block with the mold resin 22. Therefore, mutual collision of the plurality of batteries 21 can be restrained. By molding the plurality of batteries 21 together as described, the shape of the battery assemblies 20 can be changed adequately. Therefore, adjustment of the shape of the battery assemblies 20 according to the shape of the power source supporting mechanism 10 is easily achieved.

Moreover, by molding the batteries. 21 together with the mold resin 22, protection of the batteries 21 can be achieved. For example, the batteries 21 can be effectively prevented from being damaged due to the collision between the battery assemblies 20 and other components of the motorcycle.

In addition, by integrating the plurality of batteries 21 together using a mold, easy handling of the plurality of batteries 21 can be achieved.

In general, available space is likely to be formed above the crankcase 51. In particular, for example, the engine 50 having the throttle body 63 as illustrated in FIG. 3 can be formed with a relatively large available space between the throttle body 63 and the crankcase 51, in comparison with an engine which employs a carburetor. As described above, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can be arranged in the available space between the throttle body 63 and the crankcase 51. Therefore, the available space between the crankcase 51 and the throttle body 63 can be effectively utilized.

When the power source supporting mechanism 10 is arranged between the crankcase 51 and the throttle body 63 as described above, the exhaust pipe 60 can be positioned on a side of the power source supporting mechanism 10. In this case, the temperature of the battery assemblies 20 may increase due to heat discharged from the exhaust pipe 60. To handle this, the heat-shielding member 30 can be arranged between the battery assemblies 20 and the exhaust pipe 60 as described above. Therefore, transfer of the heat from the exhaust pipe 60 to the battery assemblies 20 and resulting temperature increase of the battery assemblies 20 can be restrained.

Embodiments of the invention can include additional or alternative power sources to the plurality of batteries 21 described above. For example, the power source can be or include a capacitor.

In the above description, the battery assemblies 20 can each comprise a plurality of substantially column-shaped or cylindrical batteries 21. Alternatively or additionally, the use of other kinds of batteries is possible. For example, the batteries 21 can have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

In the above description, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can be attached to the crankcase 51. However, as further described above, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can be attached in any suitable space and is not limited to being attached to the crankcase 51.

Further, in the above description, the motorcycle 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 is of the off-road type. However, the power source supporting mechanism 10 can be used with various types of vehicles, such as motorcycles for racing, mopeds, and scooters.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the manner of making and using the claimed invention has been adequately disclosed in the above-written description of the preferred embodiments taken together with the drawings.

It will be understood that the above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims. 

1. A power source supporting mechanism for a motorcycle comprising: a seat portion to be attached to a vehicle body of the motorcycle; and a fixing portion extending from the seat portion and being capable of securing one or more stackable power sources.
 2. The power source supporting mechanism for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes an engaging projection projecting from the seat portion; and wherein a power source includes an engaging opening for engaging the engaging projection.
 3. The power source supporting mechanism for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes at least two engaging projections to project from the seat portion toward the one or more power sources; and wherein a power source includes a first engaging opening formed at one end portion of the power source for allowing insertion of at least one of the two engaging projections and a second engaging opening formed at the other end portion of the power source for allowing insertion of the other one of at least the two engaging projections.
 4. The power source supporting mechanism for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the seat portion includes: a seat portion body; and an attachment portion for attachment to the motorcycle.
 5. The power source supporting mechanism for a motorcycle according to claim 2, wherein the power source includes a plurality of batteries; a molding material for grouping the plurality of batteries together into a block; and an engaging portion attached to the block and having the engaging opening formed therein.
 6. A motorcycle comprising a power source supporting mechanism according to claim
 1. 7. The motorcycle according to claim 6 further comprising: an engine having a crankcase and a cylinder block attached to the crankcase; a throttle body connected to the cylinder block and arranged above the crankcase; wherein the power source supporting mechanism is arranged between the throttle body and the crankcase, and the seat portion is attached to an upper surface of the crankcase.
 8. The motorcycle according to claim 7, further comprising an exhaust pipe connected to the cylinder block and positioned at a side of the power source; and a heat-shielding member arranged between the exhaust pipe and the power source.
 9. A power source system for a vehicle, comprising: a support mechanism for receiving one or more stacked power sources and including at least one engaging projection; and one or more power sources including an engaging portion for engaging the at least one engaging projection.
 10. The power source system of claim 9, wherein the support mechanism includes a seat portion with a first engaging projection formed at an end thereof, and a second engaging projection formed at another end thereof.
 11. The power source system of claim 10, wherein the first and second engaging portions are substantially perpendicular to the seat portion.
 12. The power source system of claim 9, wherein the engaging portion includes an opening formed to receive an engaging projection.
 13. The power source system of claim 9, further comprising at least one attachment portion projecting from the seat portion, for fastening the support mechanism to a vehicle body.
 14. The power source system of claim 10, wherein a power source includes one or more batteries.
 15. The power source system of claim 14, wherein a plurality of batteries are formed into a block sized to fit the seat portion.
 16. The power source system of claim 15, wherein the engaging portions are formed on respective ends of the block.
 17. The power source system of claim 16, wherein one or more blocks are supported on the seat portion and secured via engagement of the engaging portions with the first and second engaging projections.
 18. The power source system of claim 9, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle.
 19. The power source system of claim 14, wherein a battery has a cylindrical shape.
 20. The power source system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of batteries are formed into the block with a molding material. 